From community voices to collective power: advocating for a just and liveable Sydney

Staff from Jesuit Social Services’ Centre for Just Places in Western Sydney recently attended the Sydney Alliance Assembly, joining nearly 850 community members in a powerful demonstration of collective action. The event brought together representatives from community organisations, unions, faith groups, and schools to advocate for a fairer Sydney, focusing on critical issues such as housing, energy, and climate resilience.

The Sydney Alliance provides a vital platform for people across Sydney to share their lived experiences and have a voice in the decisions that shape their communities. Through a series of discussions and testimonies, attendees built momentum around common demands, calling on decision-makers to take urgent action to address rising housing insecurity, unaffordable energy prices, and the need for stronger climate resilience measures.

Joe Magri, General Manager of the NSW Centre for Just Places, reflected on the significance of attending the assembly with his team.

“Being in a room with almost 850 people, all united in their commitment to making Sydney a fairer and more liveable city, was truly inspiring. The energy in the room was a testament to the strength of collective action and the deep care people have for their communities.”

Jesuit Social Services has long advocated for every person to have the opportunity to live in a safe and thriving community—where they can access secure and affordable housing, afford essential services, and live with dignity in the face of a changing climate. Sadly, many people remained denied of these fundamental rights.

Our 2021 Dropping off the Edge research into locational disadvantage across Australia highlights the stark reality that communities facing the greatest disadvantage also bear the brunt of climate change and economic hardship. Without urgent action, these inequities will only deepen. We need policies that are proactive, grounded in preparedness and resilience, and shaped by the voices of those most impacted by climate vulnerability and economic hardship.

“Housing, energy, and climate resilience are not abstract policy issues – they are everyday realities that shape people’s lives. We heard from families struggling with skyrocketing rents, workers facing unaffordable energy bills, and communities already dealing with the impacts of extreme weather. These voices must be at the centre of decision-making,” says Joe.

“What events like this make clear is that real change happens when people come together, and that people deeply care about what is happening in their communities. When we stand alongside one another – across sectors, backgrounds, and experiences – we show that a better future is not just possible, but necessary. The Centre for Just Places remains committed to working with our partners to ensure these concerns translate into meaningful action.”

The Sydney Alliance continues to be a crucial space for communities to organise and advocate for systemic change. The Centre for Just Places is proud to stand alongside these communities and remains committed to working in solidarity to build just, resilient, and inclusive futures across Sydney.